Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag has confirmed a double injury boost ahead of the Premier League clash against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Thursday.
The Red Devils recently played out a 1-1 draw against Brentford away from home. They were second best for most of the contest and were lucky to pick up a point in the end.
In the same game, Victor Lindelof sustained a hamstring injury and he has been ruled out for a month.
Lisandro Martinez replaced the Swede off the bench, but the Argentine won’t be available against the Blues either after suffering a calf problem in training on Tuesday.
The absence of the duo is a huge blow for United, but there is some good news on the fitness front with Raphael Varane and Jonny Evans back for today’s training session.
Varane was substituted at half-time against the Bees as a precaution for a minor knock. He has recovered in time alongside Evans, who was injured before the internationals.
Speaking in today’s press conference, Ten Hag said: “No more issues, we don’t need. On the frontline and midfield we are okay and we have options there.”
“In the backline we have a lack of options but the good thing is back in training this afternoon is Raphael Varane and Jonny Evans. Yesterday Harry Maguire was back in training.”
United must beat Chelsea to stay in Champions League hunt
The Red Devils were handed a minor boost yesterday with Tottenham Hotspur sharing the spoils against West Ham United. The London clubs played out a 1-1 draw.
As a result, United are currently nine points adrift of fifth-placed Spurs with a game in hand. The club must capitalise with a victory at Stamford Bridge tomorrow.
Top four remains the main target, but fifth position could be enough for Champions League football if the remaining English clubs in Europe continue to excel.
United are unbeaten against the Blues in the top-flight since 2018. They have won the last two meetings and should be optimistic of securing another three points.
The availability of Varane and Evans is a boost. The former could line up alongside Maguire at the heart of the defence for tomorrow’s late kick-off in west London.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com
